Monday, April 30, 2012

It's Monday! That means it's the time of the week for YOU to meet the many faces of HRD and learn a little about the skaters you want to cheer for in 2012!

This Monday, check out BG Smack and Hot Rod Bettie!

Name BG SmackNumber 90Team Bayou City BossesPosition Blocker, but I'd happily do anything.Years Played Almost two years with the rec league, but this is my first year with a home team.Height 5'3"Occupation Healthcare. Specifically what's called Infection Preventionist - yes I try to prevent infections from occurring.How did you get into derby? I have tried lots of different sports from middle school thru college but nothing ever seemed to keep me interested. I had heard about HRD for over a year before deciding it was finally time to check them out, even if I only lasted one practice! How did you pick your derby name? I originally wanted to be called Fleetwood Smack, but everyone always called me BG because I signed my email signatures with "BG" for my real life initials. In the video game Doom there is a big gun named BFG 9000 which I loved, but didn't think anyone would get the reference. So out went the Fleetwood and in came BG. And 90 is just simpler number than 9000.Likes Food, my super comfy pillow and low humidity days.Dislikes Fuss buckets, running out of milk, audible annoying habits from others and time changes.Favorite thing about derby All the awesome workout buddies you get!Fun Facts I've run 2 half-marathons and driven cross country in both directions. I have never been pulled over or received a ticket (unless you count that one in college for parking on the grass) and I like to teach my dogs funny tricks.

Name Hot Rod BettieNumber 66Team The Valkyries, The KnockoutsPosition Blocker, pivotYears Played 5 yearsHeight 5'4" Occupation TeacherHow did you get into derby? One morning I heard a radio interview on 'The Buzz' on my drive into work. I was so excited I hurried into the office and Googled Houston Roller Derby and like they say.... the rest is history. How did you pick your derby name? I like to drive fast and if I could be anything in the world I'd be a race car driver. I figured this would be the perfect time to put a Hot Rod on the track!Likes I love a good hamburger, massages, going on vacation, Christmas and Tacos A Go-Go. OH and anything Pink..... and yes, that includes the singer.Dislikes I dislike mean people, Houston traffic, bugs (especially spiders.... ewww), and questionnaires.Favorite thing about derby Personally, I love our training. Our training has pushed me further and harder than I ever thought I could go. If it wasn't for derby I may not have met so many wonderful ladies!Fun Facts I was born in Texas. I love all types of music, and I began playing piano at 9 and drums at 12. I played softball all the way through college and in 2004 I graduated from Sam Houston State. I've worked as a flight attendant and lived in New York City. Now, I am a teacher and work with students with learning differences.

Tune in next Monday to see our next set of featured skaters for the week!

Thanks to all of our fans who showed their support to our Houston All-Stars this weekend! Our All-Stars finished this weekend with a 2012 6-1 streak after defeating Madison 176-127 Friday, The Chicago Outfit 118-102 Saturday, and losing to the Windy City Rollers 232-93 Sunday morning. Way to go All-Stars!

Come out and see them play their next game Saturday, May 12 when they take on the Texecutioners from Austin, TX. This bout will be at Houston Indoor Sports and capacity will be limited - get your special $12 tickets while you can!
Our next home bout will be Saturday, May 19 at Bayou Music Center. Come see the Psych Ward Sirens take on the Dallas Derby Devils before watching the Brawlers and the Bosses face off!Get Your Upcoming Bout Tickets Right Now at Our Website!

Monday, April 23, 2012

It's Monday! That means it's the time of the week for YOU to meet the many faces of HRD and learn a little about the skaters you want to cheer for in 2012!

This Monday, check out Bazinga and BlueJ!

Name BazingaNumber 73Team The Valkyries, The KnockoutsPosition Pivot, JammerYears Played 2Height 5'2"Occupation Community Based Student Education CoordinatorHow did you get into derby? Right before the release of Whip It, a league was doing a promo at the mall I worked at. I've been hooked since my first boot camp. How did you pick your derby name?I picked my name wandering around the vendors hall of Dragon*Con, trying to settle on a name that I liked and I could register. Saw a patch for the Flash, thought about the Big Bang Theory - and I was sold. "You can try, but you'll never catch me. Bazinga!" is how the audience is introduced to the word - and it closely matches how I hope to jam one day!Likes I like reading (fantasy is my genre of choice) and my smartphone (I'm a busy gal with a terrible memory, I'd be lost without it!) Dislikes I'm not the biggest fan of horror films (I tend to flinch at even the cheesiest scenes) and I don' t like spicy foods!Favorite thing about derby The ability to constantly push myself out of my comfort zone. The ability to travel and have an instant connection with other derby girls is also pretty awesome.Fun Facts I like to help run conventions in my "spare time" and like crafty stuff (sewing, crochet, etc).

Name BlueJNumber 23Team The Brawlers, The Houston All-StarsPosition JammerYears Played 1 1/2 yearsHeight 5'4" Occupation Junior Art DirectorHow did you get into derby? I was job searching advertising agencies in the city of Houston. One agency in particular had Houston Roller Derby as a client. I went to the HRD website and saw that they were having their first day of tryouts that day and I spontaneously decided to try out. How did you pick your derby name? My favorite color is blue, my friends and family call me 'J,' and Bluejay's are very aggressive birds. I thought it fit my personality.Likes My black lab, designing, strawberry flavored starbursts, lightning, poisonous dart frogs, indie music, romantic comedies, rowing, skiing, shooting guns, Johnny Depp, my birthday, the spring and summer seasons, pinatas, list can go on forever.Dislikes Houston drivers, traffic, construction, dark chocolate, flying, heights, slow walkers, slow drivers, Valentine's day, again list can go on forever. Favorite thing about derby The competition.Fun Facts I feed off of intimidation.

Tune in next Monday to see our next set of featured skaters for the week!

Thanks to all of our fans who were able to come out to our bout this past Saturday and make it another huge success! Tickets to our next two bouts are available at our website or from your favorite skater, so get them as soon as you can!

We have a special All-Star bout coming up on Saturday, May 12 featuring HRD All-Stars vs. the Texecutioners from Austin, TX. This bout will be at Houston Indoor Sports and capacity will be limited - get your special $12 tickets while you can!
Our next home bout will be Saturday, May 19 at Bayou Music Center. Come see the Psych Ward Sirens take on the Dallas Derby Devils before watching the Brawlers and the Bosses face off!Get Your Upcoming Bout Tickets Right Now at Our Website!

Also, if you're already aching for more derby, our Houston All-Stars will be heading off to Chicago, IL this weekend to go head to head with teams from Madison, the Chicago Outfit, and Windy City.
Wish them luck!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Houston RollerDerby is pleased to present an amazing opportunity to work with NAMES OF VISITINGREFS/NSOs Saturday, May 12 at Houston Indoor Sports!HRD is offering two 2-hour clinics followed by two open scrimmages so Refs and NSOs can practice those skills!

Join us for lunch where we’ll have a combined Ref/NSO meet and greet and go over some issues both Refs and NSOs encounter during games and scrimmages. From there, we’ll break out into two separate groups and you’ll get a two hour specific Ref or NSO clinic.
Afterwards, we’ll have two learning scrimmages set up so you can put that theory into action. Ref topics to be covered include Initiation, Impact, Etiquette, Safety Protocol and Pack Definition. NSO topics to be covered include Pyramid of Focus, being a Head NSO, and Certification Review.

Cost for 4 hours of instruction and officiating at one or both scrimmages is $40 for Refs and NSOs.

Come join us for our two open scrimmages as well!Newer to the game, or interested in getting in some extra track time? Love mashing up and helping Refs and NSOs stay on top of their game? We’re looking for you!
We’ll have two scrimmages open to the first 28 skaters who sign up. You may schedule yourself for one or both scrimmages - $10 for one scrimmage, $15 for both. If you do not have WFTDA insurance, there will be a $10 USARS fee for the one-day pass.

For all those who participate in the Ref/NSO clinic and scrimmage, we’re able to offer you discount tickets to the TXRG vs HRD All-Stars bout to be held the same evening! That’s right! Discount tickets are only available through the website, so be sure to include that purchase when you register – it promises to be an amazing bout that you won’t want to miss!

Refs and NSOs (cap of 20 each) $40 Skaters $10 for one scrimmage, $15 for both. $10 USARS pass for non-WFTDA insured skaters
*Discount tickets for the bout at 6PM for participants when those tickets are purchased during registration!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Houston Roller Derby will be having the after party to it's April bout at Lucky's Pub this Saturday, April 21.
Lucky's (801 St Emanuel, 77003) will be offering free shuttle services to and from Bayou Music Center between 5:30-7:30 pm and 8:30-10:30 pm. The pub is about 1.1 miles away from the venue (roughly 6 minutes) in downtown Houston near Hwy 59 and Rusk St.

We'd like to encourage our fans to take advantage of the free shuttle services to save on parking! (Tips accepted). Please be aware that the shuttle will be swinging by the Rockets and Astros games - if you are interested in their service, please plan for a little extra time.

Come hang out with us after the game! Meet our skaters, have a drink, or grab a bite to eat. For more information about Lucky's Pub, check out their website here: LUCKY'S PUB.

Saturday is just around the corner with only four days left - get your tickets online now to guarantee your pass in! All VIP tickets are already sold out. Get your tickets to see Houston Roller Derby this Saturday Here!
All tickets for the April 21, 2012 bout will be taken down on Thursday, April 19 at 6:30 pm. Get your tickets while there is still time!

We hope to see you join us for our second bout of the season this Saturday! This will be our newest home team, The Valkyries' big debut as they go up against The Brawlers!
Our Bayou City Bosses will also be taking on the Alamo City Rollergirls from San Antonio, TX right before the Valkyries' first ever game! Don't forget to wear your Neon Green, Blue, or Black!

Monday, April 16, 2012

It's Monday! That means it's the time of the week for YOU to meet the many faces of HRD and learn a little about the skaters you want to cheer for in 2012!

This Monday, check out Kiki Mojo and Sexy Sniper!

Name Kiki MojoNumber 5454Team The Bayou City Bosses, The KnockoutsPosition Blocker, JammerYears Played 5ishHeight 5'4"Occupation Stay at home mom, writer.How did you get into derby? I have been skating forever and read an article about derby. As soon as I moved to Houston, I dove right in. How did you pick your derby name? My derby name was a college nickname, so I knew I'd answer to it on the track.Likes Painting, alligators, blogging. Dislikes Pickles and pickles.Favorite thing about derby Everything. If I could stay on skates 24/7, I would.Fun Facts I have been bitten by an alligator and was prom queen. (Unrelated incidents.)

Name Sexy SniperNumber W308Team The BrawlersPosition Pivot, Blocker, JammerYears Played This is my 3rd season.Height 5'7" Occupation Administrative AssistantHow did you get into derby? A friend invited me to play. How did you pick your derby name? Sniper was my dog's name.Likes I like shooting things, gardening, contact sports, dancing, volleyball, and swimming. Dislikes negativity. Favorite thing about derby Everything! Teamwork, the confidence it gives you, competition, my alter ego, derby community, the athletic side of it.Fun Facts I helped Houston bring home 3rd place in the after party dance contest at South Central Regional Playoff.

Tune in next Monday to see our next set of featured skaters for the week!

Get ready for our next bout this Saturday, April 21! Tickets are available at our website or from your favorite skater, so get them as soon as you can!Get Your April 21 Bout Tickets Right Now at Our Website!
Come see the debut of our new home team, The Valkyries as they go up against the Brawlers after the Bayou City Bosses take on Alamo City Rollergirls from San Antonio, TX!

Also, if you're aching for more derby, our Houston All-Stars will be heading off to Chicago, IL to go head to head with teams from Madison, the Chicago Outfit, and Windy City the weekend after our big game at Bayou Music Center!

Congratulations to our Knockouts for bringing home a HUGE victory after playing The Alamo City Rollergirls' B-team this Sunday in San Antonio. Our Knockouts won 388:21 - way to go HRD!

Friday, April 13, 2012

The Houston Roller Derby Knockouts will be going to San Antonio to play Alamo City Rollergirls' Las Pistoleras this weekend!
The Knockouts are HRD's second-string travel team.
They will be playing ACRG's B-team, Las Pistoleras, this Sunday, April 15 at the Rollercade in San Antonio, TX.
ACRG's Las Pistoleras came to Houston to play the Brawlers for the 2011 season Championship game last year.
This will be both teams' first game of the 2012 season.

Come out and support the Houston Roller Derby Knockouts this Sunday if you can!

The HRD Knockouts will also be playing the following games this season:June 9 vs. Assassination City Roller Derby at Bayou Music Center (520 Texas Ave, Houston, TX)June 23 vs. Red Stick Roller Derby in Baton Rouge, LASeptember 8 vs. the Spindletop Rollergirls in Beaumont, TX

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Houston Roller Derby will be working at the Houston Pet Expo this Saturday, April 14!

Come out and see us at Reliant Center anytime from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.! Pets with non-aggressive behavior are welcome with proof of up-to-date vaccinations. This event is indoors and has free admission.

LearnAbout Pet Care, Volunteerism, Grooming, Pet Behavior & Training, Traveling with your Pet, How YOU Can Make a Difference, Different Types of Pets/Breeds, Veterinarian FAQ, Fun Activities for You & Your Pet...and Much More!

The HRD girls will be off-skates selling merch, passing out flyers, and working at the entrance. There will be a Houston Roller Derby booth set up, so come stop by! We'll be selling our new dog-shirts (all sizes available) and promoting our upcoming bout next Saturday, April 21 at Bayou Music Center. Come drop by and say hello!

New Houston Roller Derby Dog Shirts! Come swing by our booth this Saturday and get them for $12!Available in sizes XS-3XL

Monday, April 9, 2012

It's Monday! That means it's the time of the week for YOU to meet the many faces of HRD and learn a little about the skaters you want to cheer for in 2012!

This Monday, check out Sam I Slam and 2xForce!

Name Sam I SlamNumber T1-T2Team The Valkyries Position I'm a floater right now. Pivot, blocker, sometimes jammer. :)Years Played This will be my first season. I just started skating for the first time ever February of 2011.Height 5'8"Occupation Former 3D Animator/ Illustrator working part time as a kennel technician.How did you get into derby? A friend in my car club told me about rec league so I tried it and liked it. How did you pick your derby name? I actually stumbled upon my name in a list on our red league bored and I just went with it. It was easy and I didn't have to hurt my brain thinking of a new one.Likes I like, LOVE to cook and eat. Dislikes lazy people and people that don't know how to drive safely.Favorite thing about derby That there's always something to learn and ALWAYS someone there to help you out. The sister hood and strength of the women I skate with is awesome.Fun Facts I'm from Detroit, Michigan. Went to college in Pittsburgh, then Miami. Now I live in Houston. I was a bit of a gypsy in my younger years. I'm also a kidney donor. In 2004 I donated my left kidney to one of my best friends. I LOVE Bollywood films.

Name 2xForceNumber 3 1/2Team The Brawlers,
The Knockouts (Captain)Position Blocker, PivotYears Played 2 yearsHeight 5'10" Occupation Assistant Prop Master at the Alley TheatreHow did you get into derby?
I was a big fan before I tried out. I will never forget the first time I saw DBC on that track and I knew it was something I had to do! Likes I like food, sleep and derby. DislikesI dislike anything that gets in the way of those things. Favorite thing about derby
Meeting all these fantastic ladies that I never would have met otherwise, training hard with them and then hitting each other!

Tune in next Monday to see our next set of featured skaters for the week!
Get ready for our next bout April 21 - it's only a week and a half away!
Tickets are available at our website or from your favorite skater, so get them as soon as you can!Get Your April 21 Bout Tickets Right Now at Our Website!
Come see the debut of our new home team, The Valkyries as they go up against the Brawlers after the Bayou City Bosses take on Alamo City Rollergirls from San Antonio, TX!

Also, if you're aching for more derby, our Knockouts will be taking on The Alamo City Rollergirls' B-team this Sunday in San Antonio and our Houston All-Stars will be heading off to Chicago, IL to go head to head with teams from Madison, the Chicago Outfit, and Windy City the weekend after our big game at Bayou Music Center!

Monday, April 2, 2012

It's Monday! That means it's the time of the week for YOU to meet the many faces of HRD and learn a little about the skaters you want to cheer for in 2012!

This Monday, check out AcuPunchHer and Shawshank!

Name AcuPunchHerNumber 17Team The BrawlersPosition Blocker Years Played This is my rookie year. I started playing with rec league in August 2010.Height 5'5"Occupation Petroleum EngineerHow did you get into derby? I watched Whip It, which got me interested in watching our local league. After going to one bout, I decided to go to rec league. How did you pick your derby name? I was going to be Pepto Abysmol, but I didn't want to be known as the girl with GI issues. AcuPunchHer just popped in my head one day and seemed fitting since I'm Asian.Likes poop talk, puppies, traveling, nail clippers, tigers, cheesy music (Celine, Mariah), FOOD. Dislikes slow drivers in the left lane, work meetings, horror flicks.Favorite thing about derby The people. And it's a great way to have fun while exercising.Fun Facts I can say all the presidents in consecutive order and I've climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Name ShawshankNumber 237Team Bayou City Bosses (Captain), The Houston All-StarsPosition Skater. I jam some, I block some, I pivot some.Years Played This my third season with HRD.Height My actual height or what I tell people to make myself feel better? My license says 5'3" but it also says I weigh 10 pounds less.Occupation City Planner - Ever-Evaluating Eye of Surr-Vey, Lord Of Demarcation, She Who Measures And Assesses.How did you get into derby? I started in New Orleans on a whim and promptly moved to Texas after making the league there. My dirty secret is that I had never seen a bout before trying out and didn't actually know anything about the sport. How did you pick your derby name? I didn't pick out my derby name - it was a group effort at a bar.Likes I enjoy cashews, knitting, and the word monkey. Dislikeseverything else. Favorite thing about derby This is a sport that accepts all women. It doesn't matter what you look like or where you come from - what matters is how you play derby. That jam whistle is the great equalizer.Fun Facts I am terrified of horses and caterpillars. And butterflies. Also I only recently learned that Chips Ahoy was a play on Ships Ahoy. I still don't understand what that has to do with a cookie.

Tune in next Monday to see our next set of featured skaters for the week!
Get ready for our next bout April 21 - tickets are up available at our website, so get them as soon as you can!Get Your April 21 Bout Tickets Right Now at Our Website!
Come see the debut of our new home team, The Valkyries as they go up against the Brawlers after the Bayou City Bosses take on Alamo City Rollergirls from San Antonio, TX!